Table 2 Scripted interview finish, for a child who disclosed severe violence

I would like to thank you very much for helping us. I appreciate the time that you have taken. I realise that these questions may have been difficult for you to answer, but it’s is only by hearing from children themselves that we can really understand what it is like for children in school nowadays.

From what you have told me, I can see that you have had some difficult experiences. No one has the right to treat someone else in that way. However, from what you have told me I can also see that you are strong, and have been dealing with some difficult circumstances.

If you would like, I can make an appointment for you to see a counsellor. If you would like to talk further with someone about your experiences or situation, they would be happy to speak with you. It is completely free.

Because of what you’ve just told me I am concerned about your health and safety, so I'm going to have bring you to the health centre, to make sure that you are OK. I will also need to talk to somebody about this to make sure that you are safe, and so that we do whatever we can to make sure that this does not happen again. So what will happen next is that I will arrange for you to visit the local health centre, and I will also talk to the local child protection officer. It is this person’s job to make sure that children in your community are safe and taken care of, so they might want to speak to you as well. You can ask me what is going on and what is going to happen next at any time. How do you feel about that?

Are there any other adults you would like me to help you get in touch with about the things you have told me? Would you like me to inform your parents/caregivers or the head teacher? It is your choice.

If the child protection officer would like to get in touch with you about this, what is the best way for them to do that?